Since 2000, WAGS has enjoyed having designation as a Volunteer Station with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).That program, a national program, provides volunteer opportunities for people 55 and over. Local RSVP chapters throughout the country tap into the talents and skills of their seniors to assist individuals and non-profit organizations that are responding to community needs. WAGS's first official RSVP volunteer was the late V. Elaine (Morris) Proctor, a native of Poultney, Vermont (with Welsh heritage to Anglesey). Elaine retired after many years of dedicated employment in Green Mountain College's Griswold Library bringing her library knowledge to WAGS for the benefit of its library. RSVP volunteers are able to choose what they will do and how often. The opportunities offered through RSVP are many and diverse, so WAGS was fortunate that Elaine chose to volunteer with us. RSVP is a volunteer program of the Corporation for National Service (CNS). Created by the U.S. Legislature, the CNS's three major service initiatives are AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America and the National Senior Service Corps which includes RSVP, having nearly half a million volunteers aged 55 and older.RSVP works to evaluate the impact of volunteers on non-profits' needs and those of the community, and to develop and nurture a collaborative and positive connection between the volunteer, the Volunteer Station, and RSVP. It's their top priority. They do so through the talents, time and dedication of senior citizens. Local chapters are sponsored by various local organizations and governments and are involved in a variety of volunteer projects. Rutland Mental Health Services, Inc., a United Way Agency, sponsor the Rutland County, Vermont RSVP program. In Vermont's Rutland and Addison counties, RSVP, in collaboration with more than 150 non-profit partners, designs and implements a wide variety of programs that address local issues. RSVP's goal - To Help You Help Others - blends naturally with the structure and goals of WAGS with volunteer officers and staff. WAGS is a "member helping member" nonprofit organization. WAGS is now 25 years old; Rutland County's RSVP program celebrated its 41st year of service to the Rutland County community in 2014. Their motto - "Volunteers Brighten Lives" is a well proven fact.
For more information about RSVP programs in your area, look over their website - double click on RSVP.